IntroDUCKtions: Meet Muffin the Sweetest Surprise
My Name
My name is Muffin. Mom and Dad picked that name because, when they found me, I looked just like a tiny chocolate muffin—soft, dark brown, and a little scruffy. Plus, they weren’t sure yet if I was a girl or a boy, so they wanted something cute and food-themed (like Krümel!) but gender-neutral. Safe to say, the name stuck—and so did I.
My Breed
We’re not entirely sure what I am, but Mom thinks I’m a hybrid between a Cayuga and a Mallard. I’m super tiny, just a little bigger than a Mallard, with dark feathers and a white bib. In the sunlight, you can see hints of brown mixed into my plumage, giving me a classic mottled Mallard look. I also have beautiful, big wings—and I’ve just figured out how to use them!
My Journey
My story began on Easter Sunday, 2025. I was outside by the pond, likely less than a day old, still so tiny I had my egg tooth. Somehow, I ended up all alone. No mama duck, no siblings. Just me. But then, I found my way under the fence and waddled straight up to Mom. I stopped in front of her, looked up with my big eyes like I was saying, “Pick me up, Mom!” And she did.
From the moment I was in her hands, I felt safe. I snuggled right in. Mom and Dad took me in without hesitation and set up a cozy brooder in a playpen with a heat plate to keep me warm. They gave me duckling feed, soft bedding, and more love than I could’ve ever imagined.
The first few nights, I even slept in the bedroom next to Mom so I wouldn’t feel lonely. I went wherever she went—around the house, out in the yard, even to friends’ houses. I always cuddled on her lap, happy and content.
Finding My Place
From day one, I got to meet Krümel. She was a little confused by me at first—maybe even a bit scared of this tiny peeping ball of fluff—but we soon became best friends. I look up to her like a big sister. Wherever she goes, I follow.
As I grew older, I got to spend more and more time outside in my own little area, safely watching the flock. Around seven weeks old, I was ready to join them without the fence. I get along well with Penny, and Schnatterinchen and Emma don’t mind me. Ronja and Hertha? They tend to scurry off when I get too close. And then there’s Simon… He chases me. A lot. So now he spends most of his time in drake jail.
At eight weeks old, Krümel and I moved in together—into a bigger playpen inside the house. We both wear duck diapers in the evenings and explore the house together. Double trouble, Mom calls us. We’re always up to something, and we love it that way.
What Is My Character Like?
I’m still very cuddly. I love to sit on Mom’s lap or snuggle next to her on the couch or in her chair. I’m truly imprinted on her, just like Krümel. But I’m also a little shy and cautious. New things can startle me, but my curiosity always pulls me in. I love exploring and trying new things, but I like knowing Mom is nearby.
I recently discovered I can fly! I’m still practicing, but I did manage to fly over the fence once and landed back at the pond. It only took two minutes before I flew back—whoops. Since then, I’ve been a little more careful, but I love zipping around the yard with my wings out.
My Favorite Food
Right now, my favorite foods are cucumber and fresh lettuce, especially when Mom picks it straight from the garden. I’m still trying out other options, but Grubblies are high on my list too. I’m slowly figuring out what I like best.
I might have started out as a little lost duckling, but I found exactly where I belong—with this flock, this home, and most of all, with Mom. I’m still growing, still learning, and still cuddling every chance I get. I may be the newest member of the family, but I already know: this is where I’m meant to be.
